Thread: Cheap but indispensable

Originally Posted by Auspiciousdna

Actually most of the people who worked on the pyramids were paid artisans. The slaves wouldn’t have the skills needed to use tools, they only laboured.

Interesting, we don't even know exactly how the Pyramids were built, but we know who worked on them and what their union card numbers were...?

Just joking around

Originally Posted by Stu in Tokyo

Interesting, we don't even know exactly how the Pyramids were built, but we know who worked on them and what their union card numbers were...?

I worked with a guy once who believes aliens built the pyramids, just because the task seemed extraordinary, and we wouldn’t be able to build them now. We could build them now, but the cost would be prohibitive. (It’s not worth the cost)<O</O

I guess shaping a pile of stones and stacking them on a level surface is beyond comprehension for some of us? We know enough to understand how they built them, just not every detail, really only one detail, how they lifted them to such heights.

The theory I tend to favour is that they built in a ramp on each side that spiral around on the way up and they filled the ramp in from the top down.

<O</O

Sorry to hijack the hijack but I just gotta thank Gazaly!

"The tool I find indespesible is my Black and Decker Workmate (see pic below)"

I've had tow workmates (my current one acts as a temporary bench for a number of tops: router table, mitresaw etc), but I never knew you could mount the little orange dogs on the rail below the top! I've always shoved them somewhere then had to go looking for them when needed!

Do I win the prize for the dummest revelation?

For $6 the most useful and most used thing I have is a 50x50x300 bar of 'stuff for cleaning and refreshing abrasive sheets (from McJing). Works like a dream. Linisher belt came up like new after 6 months service. Same with orbitals and finisher. Cuts sandpaper comsumption by 80%

I know I've already had my turn, and said my Mujingfang planes were the best tools I own that have cost me less than $30.

But I've been using my Berg chisels a bit lately, and none of them cost me more than about $15 ... they're a fair rival to the Mujingfang planes in terms of value for dollars.

GW

The cheapest and best tool I have is this forum. It costs me nothing but has saved me a fortune. I value information above all else since, with the right knowledge, you can avoid expensive tools - saving my money for the 'right' tools.

Originally Posted by Stu in Tokyo

Interesting, we don't even know exactly how the Pyramids were built, but we know who worked on them and what their union card numbers were...?

Just joking around

What about the new dam in China. A few million workers and built largely by hand, it makes the pyramids look like a foundation stone in comparison.

Since "Cheap" and "Tool" are two of SWMBO's pet names for me I thought I'd contribute...

My latest two very handy bargains are the three 44 gal drums I bought on ebay for $5 each (more still available, I think), plus delivery of $11. I use one for scrap rips, one for useable rips (10mm thick and over) and one for chunky offcuts (firewood).

My workshop has never been tidier and I always know where to find a varnish stirrer or a glue spreading stick.

The other is a little cat's paw I got from Bunnie's the other day for three or four bucks. It's grouse.

While I'm at it I'd like to second the nomination of the Veritas saddle square, workmates (specifically cheap knock-offs) and TAPE in all it's forms* as inexpensive and bloody useful things.

Regards,
Rusty.

*Obviously not audio or video tape. Or tapeworms.

My 10 (12?)cm steel rule - I never realised until I bought it recently at H&G just how versatile a $2.50 ruler can be to get into tight spots. It seems in the last 3 months I hardly ever enter the shed without using that ruler. Otherwise it's the bag-of-rags from bunnies ($6) - you always need to clean up!

Bunnies has bags of rags? Cool!

About 8 double flouro lights for the shed scrounged from a garbage hopper at an office refurb.
4 for the shed, the rest for spares etc.
Dave52

I bought a little 6" set square at waugh's and it is always right beside me.
I also luv me little lectric verniers.